16:38 GMT, October 23, 2008 Moscow | Russian Strategic Missile Forces have successfully launched at 13.10 Moscow time on October 22 an RS-18 (Stiletto) intercontinental ballistic liquid-fuelled missile from the Baikonur space airfield in Kazakhstan.

RS-18 missile complexes are currently in service with the SMF in Tatishchevsk and Kozelsk missile formations.

The launch confirmed the decision to extend the service life of RS-18 missile complex.

Russian SMF extended the service life of the RS-18 missile to 31 years.

The missile has a combat range exceeding 9,600 km and is considered to be highly reliable.